Motor control system



April 27, 1937. I G. RILEY 2,078,684

' MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM Filed March 12, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES: INVENTOR R Kym/7 6. 57g

dVZ i W Q i W N D W 'ATTOR Y April 27, v1937. L. G. RILEY 2,078,684

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM Filed March 12, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Zyfln 6 157a ATTORNEz WITNESSES:

Patented Apr. 27, 1937 PATENT orrlcs MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM Lynn G. Riley, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to Westinghouse Electric 8: Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania.

Application March 12, 1936, Serial No. 68,386

18 Claims.

My invention relates, generally, to motor control systems and more particularly to dynamic breaking systems for electrically-propelled ve hicles.

An object of the invention, generally stated, is to provide an automatic control system for an electrically-propelled vehicle which shall be simple and efficient in operation and which may be economically manufactured and installed.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a quick-acting dynamic braking system for an electrically-propelled vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide variable rates of dynamic braking for an electrically-propelledvehicle. p

A still further object of the invention is to provide for so controlling the operation of a motor-driven accelerator during the acceleration and the deceleration of an electrically-propelled vehicle that smooth operation of the vehicle is obtained at all times.

Other objects of the invention will be explained fully hereinafter or will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, both the acceleration and the deceleration of an electricallypropelled vehicle are primarily controlled by a motor-driven accelerator of the type described in my Patent No; 1,991,229, issued February 12, 1935, and assigned to the Westinghouse Electric 8: Manufacturing Company. The accelerator comprises a circular copper bus inside of which are disposed a plurality of contact fingers which are progressively forced against the bus by a pair of revolving rollers driven by a pilot motor. One haliof theFcOntact fingers are connected to one section of atwo-section resistor, which is utilized to control the propelling motor current during both acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, the other half of the contact fingers being connected to the other section of the resistor. Preselected rates of acceleration and deceleration are maintained by governing the operation of the pilot motor by means of limit relays, which are responsive to the main motor current, the accelerator resistors being so connected in the main motor circuits that they control the motor current during both acceleration and dynamic braking.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description, taken in cornunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B, when combined, constitute a diagrammatic view of a control system embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main circuit connections for the motors and control apparatus, and

Fig. 3 is a chart, showing thesequence of operation of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1A, 1B and 2.

Referring to the drawings, a pair of electric motors l0 and Il may be utilized for propelling a vehicle (not shown). The motor In is provided with an armature winding I2 and a series field winding l3. Likewise, the motor II is provided with an armature winding l4 and a series field winding i5. A line switch LS is pro-. vided for connecting the motors l0 and H to a trolley l6 which engages a power conductor I! that may be energized from any suitable source. of power, such as a generating station (not shown).

The motors I0 and i l are connected in parallel circuit relation during acceleration of the ve hicle and they may also be connected for dynamic braking with the field winding l5 of motor H connected across the armature l2 of motor I 0 and the field winding i3 of motor l0 connected across the armature M of motor ll, thereby permitting the. current in the armature windings to reverse and cause the motors to act as generators and decelerate the vehicle. A pair of switches Bi and B2 are provided for establishing the dynamic braking connections.

Both the acceleration and the deceleration of the motors l0 and II are primarily controlled by a motor driven accelerator A which is of the same general type as the one described in the aforementioned Patent No. 1,991,229. The accelerator A comprises a circular bus 18 inside of which are disposed a plurality of contact fingers 2| to. 46, inclusive, which are progressively forced against the bus ill by a pair of revolving rollers l9 and 20.

The rollers 19 and 20 are driven by a pilot motor 41 through shafts 48 and 49 connected by bevel gears 51. The pilot motor 41 is provided with an armature winding 52 and two field windings 53 and 54, one for each direction of rotation. An electrical braking or plugging circuit, which is fully describedin the copending application of N. H. Willby, Serial No. 68,454, filed March 12, 1936, is provided for quick stopping of the pilot motor 41 when it is deenergized. The pilot motor is controlled by a pair of relays PR and PR! and inertia or pendulum device that responds to acceleration and deceleration impulses and is provided with contact members Il, El and it, which are closed at predetermined settings. As fully described and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 752,802, filed November 13, 1934, the retardation device 88 is utilized to maintain a uniform accelerating rate, regardless of the load on the vehicle, within certain limits.

The relay AR. is energized at predetermined rates of acceleration, depending upon the position of a master controller MC. When the contact members of the relay AR are closed, a portion of a resistor 6|, which is connected across the armature winding 52 of the pilot motor 41 when it is operating in the forward direction, is shunted, thereby reducing the speed of the pilot motor. The contact members of the current limit relay LA also shunt the resistor 6| in the event that the traction motor current becomes sufllcient to operate the relay LA, thereby tending to maintain the accelerating current below a certain limit. A portion of a resistor '62 is connected in series with the pilot motor 41 for speed regulation of the motor.

and 64 for controlling the current in the motors Ill and II. The resistor 63 is divided into a number of subdivisions which are connected to the contact fingers 2| to 33, inclusive, and the resistor 64 is divided into sub-divisions which are connected to the contact fingers 34 to 46, inclusive. The resistors 63 and 64 are connected in the motor circuit in parallel-circuit relation during acceleration and in series-circuit relation during dynamic braking.

As shown, a number of cam switches Al, A2, A3, and A4 are located in the accelerator and are actuated by the shaft 49. The reference numerals 2| to 46' indicate the contact fingers over which the rollers l9 and 20 travel while the cam switches are closed. The function of the cam switches in the control system will be explained more fully hereinafter.

In addition to the accelerator and the cam switches, numerous other switches are provided for performing certain switching operations. These include switches Mi and M2 for connecting the motors i0 and Ii to the resistors 63 and 64. during acceleration, a switch G for connecting one terminal of the motors directly to ground after the resistors 63 and 64 have been shunted from the motor circuits by the accelerator rollers, field shunting switches SI, S2, S3 and S4, and a braking relay BR, which permits dynamic braking to be applied.

The energization of the relay BR is controlled by a braking controller BC which may also be utilized to control the air braking system (not shown). The controllers MC and BC are electrically interlocked to prevent improper operation of the equipment.

In addition to the current limit relay LA, which functions to limit the motor current during acceleration by regulating the operation of the accelerator A, a similar relay LB is provided for limiting the motor current during dynamic braking. A limit relay BB is also provided for controlling the operation of the pilot motor 41 during coasting of the vehicle.

An immediate response of the dynamic braking action, when it is necessary to deceleratethe vehicle, requires that there be available a generated voltage much higher and more stable than the residual voltage of the machines It and II. It has been determined that for a short period of time after power is removed from the motors, their voltage is considerably higher than their normal residual voltage. Therefore, I provide for utilizing this voltage to insure a quick building up of dynamic braking current, when desired, by closing the dynamic braking switches immediately whenever power is shut off and permitting a small braking current to circulate during the entire coasting period. The retardation produced by the small circulating current is negligible and has no noticeable efiect on the coasting characteristics of the car. The time required for brake application and build-up is shortened by having the braking switches .already closed and by having available a stable voltage of considerable magnitude to cause the generated current to build up rapidlyv when it is desired to increase the braking effect.

The circulating current is held at a low value during coasting by utilizing the limit relay BB, which is set to operate at a low current, to control the operation of certain of the field shunting switches and to cause the pilot motor to advance or retract the accelerator in accordance with the car speed. In this manner, the accelerator is always in the correct position to properly control the motor current, and an immediate dynamic braking effect can be obtained by opening one or more of the field shunting switches to increase the excitation of the machines III and II, which causes the generated current to increase, thereby increasing the braking eifect.

With a view to enabling the operator of the vehicle to select different rates of dynamic braking, provision is made for controlling the operation of the field shunting switches SI, 82, SI and Si by means of the braking controller BC. In this manner, the operator may select a desired rate of braking by controlling. the .operation of the field shunting switches to vary the field excitation of the motors l0 and il during dynamic braking, thereby regulating the generated current. The limit relay LB, which controls the accelerator A during braking. is pro-' vided with additional coils which are energized by the current in the field shunting circuits in order that the relay will be calibrated for the different current values corresponding to the selected braking rates, thereby permitting the relay to control the accelerator to regulate the motor current over the entire braking range.

In order that the functioning of the foregoing apparatus may be more clearly understood, the operation of the system, particularly during dynamic braking, will be described in more detail.

Assuming that a control switch 85 has been closed, and that it is desired to accelerate the vehicle to the maximum speed, the master controller MC may be actuated to the parallel position, thereby.applying power to the motors Ill and II. When the controller MC is actuated to the parallel position, the switches 18, MI and M2 are closed to connect the motors togthe-power source through the accelerator resistors 63 and 64. The energizing circuit for the switch L8 may be traced from the positive terminal of the battery 55 through the control switch 85, conductor 88, contact fingers 81 and 88, bridged by a cntact segment 89 on the controller MC, conductor H, the actuating coil 12 ,of the switch LS, conductor 13, an interlock 14 on the switch BI, conductor 15, an interlock 18 on the switch G,

conductor 11, and the cam switch AI to a negatlve conductor 18.

Following the closing of the switch LS, the actuating coil of the switch MI through a circuit which extends from the previously energized conductor 1I through conductor 19, an interlock 8| on the switch LS, conductor 82, and the actuating coil 83 of the switch MI to a negative conductor 84. At this time, the actuating coil of the switch M2 is energized through a circuit which extends from the conthe actuating coil 9| of the switch M2, conductor 92 and an interlock 93 on the switch BI to a negative conductor 94.

A holding circuit is established for the coil 9i through an interlock 95 on the switch M2, the coil 9I being connected to a negative conductor 98 by the closing of the interlock 85. A holding circuit for the actuating coil 12 of the switch LS is also established by the closing of the switch LS, the holding circuit extending from the interlock 14 on switch BI through conductor 91 and an interlock 98 on the switch LS, to a negative conductor 99.

The closing of the switches LS, MI and M2 connects the motors I0 and II in parallel-circuit relation, the circuit through the motor I0 extending from the power conductor I1 through the trolley I8, conductor IOI, contact members I02 on the switch LS, conductor I03, the armature winding I2 of the motor I0, conductor I04, the field winding I3, conductors I05 and I08, contact members I01 on the switch MI, conductor I08, the accelerator resistor 84, contact finger 34, and the bus I8 to a. grounded conductor I08.

The circuit through the motor I I extends from the conductor I03 through conductor III, the field winding I5, conductor II2, the armature Winding I4, conductor II3, an actuating coil II4 of the limit relay LA, conductor II5, contact members I01 of the switch MI, conductor II8, contact members II1 of switch M2, conductor II8 and the resistor 83 to the grounded conductor I09.

Since it has been assumed that the controller MC is actuated to the parallel position for maximum acceleration, the relays PR and FBI are energized to cause the pilot motor 41 to advance the accelerator rollers I9 and to shunt the resistors 83 and 84 from the motor circuit. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the relay PR may be traced from the previously energized conductor 82 through conductor II9, an interlock I2I on the switch BI, conductor I22, an interlock I24 on the switch G, conductor I25 and the actuatng coll I28 of the relay PR to a negative conductor I21.

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the relay PRI extends from a contact finger I29, which engages the segment 89 of the controller MC, through conductor I29, an interlock I3I on ,the switch MI, conductor I32, an interlock I33 on the switch M2, conductor I34, an interlock I35 on the switch G, conductor I38 and the actuating coil I31 of the relay FBI to a negative conductor I38.

is energized The closing of the relays PR and PRI energizes the pilot motor 41 to advance the accelerator A.

' the resistor 82, conductor I39, contact members I4I on the relay PRI, conductor I42, the cam switch A3 on the accelerator A, conductor I43, the field winding 53 and armature winding 52 to a negative conductor I44.

As explained hereinbefore, the pilot motor 41 advances the accelerator A under the control of the limit relay LA, the contact members of which are disposed to shunt a portion of the resistor 8i from the motor circuit, thereby regulating the operating speed of the motor. When the contact members of the relay LA are open, the resistor Si is connected across the armature winding 52 of the motor 41 through a circuit which extends from the one terminal of the armature winding 52 through the field winding 54, conductor I45, the cam switch A4, conductor I48, contact member I41 of the PR relay, conductors I48 and I49, a coil I5I of the limit relay LA, conductor I52, and the resistor 8| to'the negative conductor I44.

When the contact members of the relay LA are closed, a major portion of the resistor 8I is shunted from the parallel circuit, thereby decreasing the armature current of the motor and reducing its speed. The shunt circuit may be traced from the conductor I48 through conductor I53, contact members I54 of the limit relay LA, conductors I55 and I58 and a small portion of the resistor 8I to the negative conductor I44.

In this manner, the accelerator A is advanced to shunt the resistors 83 and'84 from the traction motor circuit, thereby .accelerating the vehicle under the control of the limit relay LA. When the accelerator A nears the end of its travel in the forward direction, an energizing circuit is established for the actuating coil of the switch G, thereby closing this switch to connect one terminal of the motors I0 and II directly to ground. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch G may be traced from the previously energized conductor 86 through an interlock I51 on the switch M2, the actuating coil I58 of the switch G, conductor I59 and the cam switch Al, to the negative conductor 18.

The closing of the switch G connects the motors I0 and II directly to ground through a circuit which extends from the conductor I05 through contact members I8I on the switch G and conductor I82 to the grounded conductor I09. The

closing of the switch G also opens the interlocks I24 and I35 on this switch to deenergize the relays PR and PRI, thereby causing the pilot motor 41 to operate in the reverse direction to return the accelerator rollers to the position shown in the drawings. The circuit for operating the motor 41 in the reverse directionmay be traced from the resistor 62 through conductor I83, contact members I84 on the PR relay, conductor I48, the cam switch A4, conductor I45, the field negative conductor I. The cam switches A3 and A4 function as limit switches to stop the pilot motor at the desired position by interrupting the energizing circuit, and also establishing an electrlcal braking circuit for the motor by shunting the (armature through the parallel circuits previously traced.

As the accelerator A is being returned towards its original position, the field shunting switches SI, 82, S3 and S are closed in sequential relation to shunt the field windings oi the traction motors, thereby causing them to operate at their maximum speed. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch Sl may be traced from a contact finger I33, which engages the segment it of the controller MC, through conductor I", an interlock ill on the switch Ml, conductor "2, an interlock "3 on the switch 0, conductor Ill, contact fingers I" and H3, bridged by a segment ill on the controller BC, conductor "3, the actuaing coil "3 of the switch Si, conductor Ill and the cam switches A2 and Al to the negative conductor 13.

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch 82 may be traced from a contact finger I32 on the controller BC through conductor I33, the actuating coil I34 the switch 82, conductor I35, and cam switches A2 and Al to the negative conductor 13.

The circuit for thecoil oi the switch S3 extends from a contact finger I36 on the controller BC through conductor I31, the. coil I33 0! the switch S3, conductor I33, and thecam switches A2 and Al to the negative conductor 13. r

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch S4 extends from a contact finger "I on the controller BC through conductor I92, the coil I33 of the switch S4, conductor I34 and the cam switches A2 and Al to the negative conductor 18.

As shown, the closing of the switch Si connects a combined reactive and resistance shunt across the field winding l3 of the motor Ill, the shunt circuit extending from the conductor I through a coil I on the limit relay LB, a reactor I, a resistor l3l, contact members I33 oi the switch Si, and conductors I99 and ill! to the other terminal of the field winding l3. Likewise, the closing of the switch 83 connects a similar shunt across the field winding l5 oi. the motor ii. The' shunt circuit extends from one terminal of the field winding is through conductors Ill and I33, contact members 2lll of the switch 83, a resistor 232, a reactor 233, and a coil 2 on the relay LB to the other terminal of the field winding l3.

The closing of the switch S2 removes the resistor ill irom the shunt circuit around the field the resistor 202 from the shunt circuit for the field winding ill. The circuit around the resistor 202 extends from the conductor I03 through contact members 231 of the switch S4, and conductor 203 to the connection between the resistor.

202 and the reactor 233. r e

As explained hereinbeiore, the pendulum device 56 functions to maintain a predetermined rate of acceleration by controlling the operation oi the relay AR, which,fin turn. governs the opamass;

erating of the pilot motor ll while it is driving the firs l9 and 23 to shunt the resistors 33 and 64 the traction motor circuit. The relay AR and the limit relay LA both govern the speed of the pilot motor by establishing shunt circuits around the armature oi the pilot motor, as previously described.

Since it has been assumed that the controller MC is set for maximum acceleration, it is neces* sary for the pendulum device 58 to swing to a position in which it engages the contact members 59 m order to energize the relay AR. through a circuit which extends from a contact finger 233 on the controller MC, through conductor 2i i, contact member 89, the pendulum 2l2, conductor 2l3, and the actuating coil 2| 0! the relay AR to a negative conductor H5. The closing of the contact members of the relay AR establishes a shunt circuit around the armature winding 32 of the pilot motor ll, which reduces the speed of the pilot motor. This circuit extends from one terminal oi the armature winding 32 through a circuit previously traced to the conductor 3, thence through the contact members 2l6 oi the relay AR, and conductor I through a portion of the resistor 6| to the negative conductor I. In this manner, the pendulum device "functions to maintain a predetermined rate of acceleration, the rate being selected by the operator of the vehicle by setting the controller MC to energize one of the contact members ll, 53 or 33 through conductors 2ll, M3 or 2i l, respectively.

If it is desired to permit the vehicle to coast. the motors Ill and ii may be disconnected from the power source by actuating the controller MC to the oiT' position, thereby deenergizing the switches LS, Ml, M2 and G. As explained hereinbelore, the braking switches Bi and B2 are closed immediately when the controller MC is M- tuated to the 06" position, thereby establishing the dynamic braking conections and causing a small current to circulate through the motors during coasting of the vehicle. However, the circulating current is of such a low value that it does not materially affect the coasting characterlstics of the car.

The energizing circuit for the actuating-coil of the switch Bl may be traced from the positive conductor 36 through contact fingers 22l and 222, bridged by a segment 223 on the controller BC, conductor 223, contact fingers 225 and 228. bridged by a segment 221 on the controller MC, conductors 223 and 229, an interlock 23l on the switch LS, conductors 232 and 233, the actuating coil 234 of the switch Bl, conductors 235 and 23$ and the cam switch Al to the negative conductor 13. The energizing circuit for the actuating-coil of the switch B2 extends from the conductor 233 through the coil 23l oi the switch B2 and thence to the negative conductor 13 through the circuit just previously traced. A holding circuit for the coils 234 and 231 is established through an interlock 233 on the switch B2.

The closing of the switches Bi and B2 establishes dynamic braking connections for the motors ill and II whereby the field winding l3 oi the motor II is connected across the armature ll of the motor ll and the field winding ii oi the motor ii is connected across the armature l 2 oi the motor l0, thereby causing the motors to function as generators which are driven by the momentum oi the vehicle. The circuit for the field winding I! may be traced from one terminal of the armature l2 through conductor "3, conductor III, the field winding I5, conductor II2,

a coil 239 of the limit'relay LB, conductor 2,

of the switch B2, and conductor I04 to the other terminal of the armature I2.

The circuit through the field winding I3 may be traced from the one terminal of the armature I4 of the motor II through the coil 239 of the relay LB, conductor 24I, the coil 24-2 of the relay BB, conductor 243, contact members 244 of the switch BI, conductor 245, the resistor 246, conductors 241, N6 and I08, the resistor 64, contact finger 34, the bus I8, contact finger 2|, the resistor 63, conductors I I8 and 248, contact members 249 of the switch B2, conductor I04, the field winding I3, conductors I05, I06 and H5, the coil I I4 of the relay LA and conductor I I3 to the other terminal oithe armature I4.

As explained hereinbefore, the closing of the switches BI and B2 immediately upon the actuation of the controller MC to the off position, utilizes the relatively high voltage of the motors I and II, which isavailable for a short time after power is shut off, to cause the motors to start generating current immediately without the time .lag previously required -for the voltage of the machines to build up from the low residual voltage present after the machines have been disconnected from the power source for a consid-' erable length of time, while the vehicle has been coasting, as has been the prior practice. However, the generated current ismaintained at a small value by the action of the accelerator A, which is under the control of the limit relay BB' during coasting, the relay being set to operate at a relatively low value of current.

Furthermore, the field shunting switches S2, S3 and S4 are closed during coasting to weaken the field strength of the machines I0 and II, thereby tending to maintain a low value of generated current. However if desired, the system may be modified to close the field shunting switch SI during coasting to further reduce the generated current.

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch S2 may be traced from the previously energized conductor 228 through conductor 25I, an interlock 252 on the relay BR, conductor 253, aninterlock 254 on the switch BI, conductors 265 and I14, contact fingers I15 and I82, bridgedby the segment I11 of the controller BC, conductor I83, the actuating coil I84 of the switch S2, conductors I85 and 256, and an interlock 251 on the switch B2 to a negative conductor 258.

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch S3 extends from a contact finger I86 on the controller BC through conductor I81, the coil I88 of the switch S3, conductors I88 and 259, and an interlock 26I on the switch B2 to a negative conductor 262. Y

The circuit for the actuating coil of the switch S4 extends from the contact finger I9I on the controller BC through conductor I92, the coil I83, conductors I94 and 263, and an interlock 264v on the switch B2 to a negative conductor 265.

Since the current generated by the machines I0 and during coasting is proportional to the speed of the car, this current may be utilized for spotting the accelerator A, that is, for matching theposition of the accelerator with the speed of the vehicle, thereby insuring. that the accelerator will be in the proper position to prevent an excessive rush of current in the event that power is reapplied to the motors or dynamic braking is put into effect. As previously stated, the accelerator is under the control of the limit relay BB during coasting. This relay functions to control the operation of the relays PR and PRI, which control the direction of operation of the pilot motor 41. In this manner, the accelerator is either advanced or retracted as the vehicle loses or gains in speed.

As explained hereinbefore, the pilot motor 41 is operated in the forward direction when the relays PR and FBI are both energized and it is operated in the reverse direction when both relays are deenergized. Therefore, the pilot motor is controlled by the action of the relay BB, which controls the energization of the relays PR and PRI during coasting. When the relay BB is in its lowermost position, the relay FBI is energized through a circuit which may be traced from the previously energized conductor 232 through conductor 266, contact members 261 of the relay BB, conductor 268, aninterlock 269 on the relay BI,

conductor 2", an interlock 212 on the switch M2, conductors 213 and I36 and the coil I31 on the relay PRI to the negative conductor I38.

The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the relay PR may be traced from the conductor 232, through contact members 214 of the relay BB, conductor 215, an interlock 216 on the switch M2, conductor 211, an interlock 218 on the switch B2, conductor I25, and the'actuating coil I26 of the relay PR to the negative conductor I21. When the circulating current in the motor circuit exceeds a predetermined value, the relay BB operates to interrupt the circuits for the relays PR and PRI, thereby reversing the pilot motor 41. In this manner, the operation of the accelerator during coasting is so controlled that it is in the correct position to control the motor current in the event that dynamic braking action is required.

In the event that dynamic braking is required to decelerate the vehicle, the controller BC may be actuated to one of the braking positions, thereby energizing the relay BR, which removes the accelerator A from the control of the limit relay BB and places it under the control of the limit relay LB, which is set for a higher current value and, therefore, permits the generated current to be increased, thereby increasing the dynamic braking action of the motors I0 and II. The energizing circuit for the coil of the relay BR may be traced from the previously energized conductor 228 through contact fingers 28I and 282, bridged by segment 288 on the controller BC, conductor 284, and the actuating coil 285 of the relay BR. to a negative conductor 286.

The closing of the relay BR establishes shunt circuits around the contact members of the limit relay BB, which previously controlled the energization of the relays PR and FBI. The one shunt circuit may be traced from the conductor 215, through conductor 281, contact members 288 on the relay BR, conductors 289, 228, 229, interlook 23l of the switch LS, and conductor 282 to the contact member 214 of the relay BB.. The other shunt circuit may be traced from the conductor 268 through conductor 29 I, contact members 292 oi the relay LB,.conductor 2 93, contact members 294 of the relay BR,--and conductors the pilot motor is placed under the control 01 the limit relay LB during dynamic braking. 'Ihis relay functions to control the operation of the relay FBI to stop the pilot motor in the event that the traction motor current exceeds a predetermined value. Inasmuch as it is desirable to operate the pilot motor at a lower speed during dynamic braking, the speed of the pilot motor during dynamic braking is reduced by the closing of an interlock 296 on the switch Mi to shunt a major portion of the resistor 6| from the armature circuit. This shunt circuit may be traced from the one terminal of the armature I! through a circuit previously traced to the conductor I53, thence through the interlock 296, conductors 281 and I", and the resistor ii to the other terminal of the armature 52.

As explained hereinbei'ore, the dynamic braking rate may be controlled by the operator by actuating the'controller BC to control the operation of the field shunting switches'Sl, S2, S3, and 54. thereby varying the field strength of the machines IO and II to increase or decrease the generated current. Since the energizing circuits for the actuating coils oi the switches SI, 82, SI and 84 have been previously traced, it is believed to be unnecessary to trace the circuits at this time. It will be seen that the contact members 252 on the relay BR, which is open during dynamic braking is paralleled by contact members 219 on the relay BB, which is closed during braking, thereby permitting the energizing circuits for the field shunting switches to be established through the controller BC, as previously explained. The drum development oi the segment ill on'the controller BC is suchthat the operation 0! the field shunting switches may be controlled'by means of the controller. In order that the calibration of the limit relay LB may be changed in accordance with the variation in field strength obtained by means of the field shunting circuits, the relay is provided with the coils I and 2", which are connected in the respective field shunting circuits for the machines II and II. In this manner, the relay LB is recalibrated to permit the relay to properly control the accelerator at the required current values for the various rates of dynamic braking obtainable by the field shunting action.

It will be noted that the switch M2 is closed when the accelerator resistors it and 84 have been shunted from the motor circuit during dynamic braking. The closing of the switch M2 shimts the resistors from the motor circuit, thereby permitting the accelerator to be returned to its original position, in order that it will be in the correct position to permit power to be reapplied to the motors. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch M2 extends from the previously energised conductor 22!, through conductor 8", ar interlock lll'on theswitch Bl conductor OI, the coil I of the. switch M2, conducton l2 and "I, contact members I of the re-- BR. conductor 8 and the cam switch Al to coil of the switch-K2 is established by the the switch. This holding circuit has ously traced, and will not betraced at The closing of the switch in interrupts thecircuits for the actuating coils oi the relays PR and FBI, thereby causing the pilot II as hereinbeiore explained.

negative conductor ll. A holding circuit for.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that I have provided a control system which will cause the propelling motors of an electric vehicle to be accelerated rapidly and smoothly. It is also evident that I have provided for smoothly and efi'ectively decelerating the vehicle by means of dynamic braking. A quick response of the dynamic braking action at all times is insured by the control system herein disclosed, and the operator is enabled to vary the rate of dynamic braking as well as the rate oi acceleration of the vehicle.

Since many modifications may be made in the apparatus and arrangement of parts without de-" parting from the spirit of my invention, I do not wish to be limited other than by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, and switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections in the motor, said dynamic braking connections being established during initial coasting oi the vehicle to permit a current to circulate through the motor.

2. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source. switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, said dynamic braking connections being established during mum coasting o! the vehicle to permit a current to circulate through the motor, and resistance-varying means for liming of the vehicle to permit a current to circulate through the motor, resistance-varying means for limiting the motor current during coasting, and means responsive to said motor current for controlling the operation of the resistance-varying means.

4. In a motor control system, 'in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections-for the motor, control means for controlling the operation oi said switching means to establish the dynamic braking connections when the 'motor is disconnected from the power source 'to permit coasting oi the vehicle, and variable means for limiting the motor current to a predetermined value during coasting oi the vehicle.

5. In a motor control system, in combination.

a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, resistance-varying means for controlling the motor current, switching means for utablishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, and control means for controlling the operation of said switching means to establish the dynamic braking connections when the motor is disconnected from the power source, said; resistance-varying means being disposed to limit the motor current during coasting or the vehicle.

lll

"6. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, resistancevarying means for controlling the motor current, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, control means for controlling the operation of said switching means to establish the dynamic braking connections when the motor is disconnected from the power source, said resistance-varying means being disposed to limit the motor current during coasting oi the vehicle, and means responsive to said motor current for controlling the operation of the resistance-varying means.

7. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power-source, switching means for establishing dynamic bralring connections for the motor, control means for controlling the operation of said switching means, and variable means for shunting the field winding of the motor during dynamic braking to vary the braking effect.

8, In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, control means for controlling the operation of said switching means,

and variable means for shunting the field winding of the motorv during dynamic braking to vary the braking effect, said variable shunting means being controlled by said control means.

9. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source to accelerate the motor, resistance-varying means for controlling the motor current, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor. control means for controlling the operation of said switching means, variable means for shunting the field winding of the motor during dynamic braking to vary the braking efiect, and relay means responsive to the dynamic braking current for controlling the operation of said resistance-varying means.

10. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for. propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, :1 source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source to accelerate the motor, resistance-varying means for controlling the motor current, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, control means for con trolling the operation of said switching means, variable means for shunting the field winding of the motor during dynamic braking to vary the braking efiect, relay means responsive to the dynamic braking current for controlling the operation of said resistance-varying means, and means energized by the current in the field shunting means for recalibrating said relay means.

ll. In a motor control system, in combination. a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power [or the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, said dynamic braking connections being established when the motor is first disconnected from the power source to permit a current tn circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, means for limiting the circulating current to a predetermined value during coasting, and means responsive to said circulating current for controlling the operation of said current limiting means while the vehicle is coasting.

12. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, said dynamic braking-connections being established when the motor is first disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, variable-resistance means connecled in the motor circuit during coasting of the vehicle, means for operating said variableresistance means to limit the circulating current, and means responsive to said circulating current for controlling the operation of said operating means in accordance withthe speed of the vehicle during coasting.

13. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor, said dynamic braking connections being established when the motor is first disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, a controller connected in the motor circuit during coasting of the vehicle, means for operating said controller to limit the circulating current, and relay means responsive to said circulating current for controlling said operating means to govern the position of said controller in accordance with the speed of the vehicle during coasting.

14. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, means for connecting the motor to and disconnecting it from the power source, a controller for controlling the motor current, switching means for establishing a closed circuit for the motor when it is disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, said controller being connected in said motor circuit to limit the circulating current, and means responsive to-said circulating current for controlling the operation of said controller during coasting of the vehicle.

15. In a motor control system, in combination,

a motor for propelling a vehicle, a source of power for the motor, means for connecting the motor to and disconnecting it from the power source,

a controller for controlling the motor current, switching means for establishing a closed circuit for the motor when it is disconnected from the power source topermit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, said controller being connected in said motor circuit to limit the circulating current, and relay means responsive to said circulating current for controlling the operation of said controller in accordance with the speed of the vehicle during coasting.

16. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a

source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source,

switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor when it is first disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, a controller for limiting the circulating current during coasting, and means for increasing the current'in the field winding to increase said circulating current thereby producing a dynamic braking efifect on the vehicle.

17. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the'motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic braking connections for the motor when it is first disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting oi. the vehicle, a controller for limiting the circulating current during coasting, means for increasing the current in the field winding to increase said circulating current thereby producing a dynamic braking effect on the vehicle,

and relay means responsive to the dynamic braking current for governing the operation of said controller during dynamic braking.

18. In a motor control system, in combination, a motor for propelling a vehicle, said motor having an armature winding and a field winding, a source of power for the motor, switching means for connecting the motor to the power source, switching means for establishing dynamic connections for the motor when it is disconnected from the power source to permit a current to circulate through the motor during coasting of the vehicle, field shunting means for decreasing the current in the field winding during coasting, a controller for limiting the circulating current during coasting, means for varying said field shunting means to increase said circulating cur rent thereby producing a dynamic braking effeet on the vehicle, relay means responsive to the dynamic braking current for governing the operation of said controller during dynamic braking, and means energized by the current in the field shunting means for recalibrating said relay means.

LYNN G. RILEY. 

